Student stories

Meet our students and alumni from around the world as they share their study experiences and how the University of Helsinki has supported their goals and breakthroughs—from personal insights to lifelong friendships and academic achievements.
Testimonials

What do our students, graduates and staff say about the degree programmes, studies and student life in Helsinki? Find out by reading the articles or watching the videos.

Video: Bachelor's Programme in Science

"The people are what keep me going and inspired."

In the Bachelor's Programme in Science, you get an interdisciplinary education in chemistry, computer and data science, mathematics and statistics, and physics. You start by getting acquainted with all the disciplines and choose only later which one to specialise in. 

Video: Master's Programme in Economics

"A combination of academic rigour and real-world relevance."

In the Master’s Programme in Economics at the University of Helsinki, you get a high-quality education in the field of economics by focusing on the key elements of economic analysis and methods. Oriented towards social sciences, the two study tracks of the programme prepare students for demanding expert occupations or equip them with the capability to pursue doctoral studies in Economics. 

Video: Master's Programme in Forest Sciences

"You can shape your studies to support your own interests."

In the Master’s Programme in Forest Sciences, you learn how forests are both sources of renewable raw materials and complex ecological entities connected to their environment. Studies highlight the relationship between humans and nature as well as the role of society and natural resources.

3 reasons to study at the University of Helsinki

In the #3reasons video series, a students share their top three reasons for studying at the University of Helsinki—from academic excellence to Finnish nature.

Featured video: 3 reasons to study Russian, Eurasian, and Eastern European Studies

Watch more video series
#MadeByStudents: Student‑made videos about life at the University of Helsinki

In the #MadeByStudents video series, you get to know life at the University of Helsinki through student‑made videos covering a wide range of topics.

Featured video: The University of Helsinki provides several facilities to support students' learning, incl. laptop lending machines, printing stations, and lockers.

#NewInHelsinki: Students share their experiences and offer advice to their fresher selves

In the #NewInHelsinki video series, our students talk about their time at the University of Helsinki and offer advice to their fresher selves.

Featured video: Once, Debby was new in Helsinki. She came from Indonesia to Finland to study in the Master's Programme in Microbiology and Microbial Biotechnology.

#OneMinuteWith: Our students answer fun questions on campus

In the #OneMinuteWith video series, our students answer some fun questions about themselves and their studies at their favourite spot on campus!

Featured video: Spend one minute with Su, a Master's student in Changing Education, whilst she answers a few fun questions about her study experience at Unisport Kluuvi, City Centre Campus.

Alumni stories

Our alumni share how their studies shaped their careers—from professional development to landing their jobs and applying their skills at work.

Where studies spark breakthroughs — and poems

The University of Helsinki is a place for both personal and scholarly advances — breakthroughs for life. Whether major or minor, they may come as personal insights, enduring friendships or academic achievements.

Five words. Two students. One poem. #Breakthroughs

What happens when you give our students five words? What emerged from Adventure, Breakthrough, Growth, Life, and University of Helsinki

Take a look at the poem My Study Abroad Adventure by our Master’s students Arushi (Mathematics and Statistics) and Dippya (Changing Education), and the thoughts the word ‘breakthrough’ evoked in them.

Breakthroughs are born from the four values of the University of Helsinki: Truth, Bildung, Freedom and Inclusivity. 

Five words. Two students. One poem. #Truth

Challenges and Opportunities

What emerged from the words Truth, New, Power, Knowledge, and University of Helsinki

Take a look at the poem by our students, Michal (Computer Science) and Nagisa (Urban Studies and Planning), and the thoughts the word ‘truth’ evoked in them.

Five words. Two students. One poem. #Bildung

Research Adventure

What emerged from the words Path, Bildung, Library, Reflect, and University of Helsinki

Take a look at the poem by our doctoral researchers, Granta (Drug Research) and Euridice (Political, Societal and Regional Changes), and the thoughts the word ‘bildung’ evoked in them.

Five words. Two students. One poem. #Freedom

Wild imagination at the University 

What emerged from the words Future, Dream, Freedom, Encourage, and University of Helsinki

Take a look at the poem by our Master’s students, Cheuk (Data Science) and Annika (Environmental Change and Global Sustainability), and the thoughts the word ‘freedom’ evoked in them.

Five words. Two students. One poem. #Inclusivity

My Motivation Story at the University of Helsinki

What emerged from the words Openness, Friendship, Equality, Inclusivity, and University of Helsinki

Take a look at the poem by our Master's graduates, Shihab (Pharmaceutical Research, Development and Safety) and Ayo (Agricultural Sciences), and the thoughts the word ‘inclusivity’ evoked in them.

Blogs by our students

What’s it like to live and study in Helsinki—housing, winter, internships, and more?

In our blog, students share their experiences of studies and student life at the University of Helsinki.

Get a degree with us

Explore our master's and doctoral programmes, or learn about our two English-language bachelor's degrees. To stay updated on application dates and processes, subscribe to our Admission News.